CCWN 2024/25 Board Members

Stewart Capell
President

What has been and/or is your current involvement with CCWN’s Board of Directors?
I am currently the President of CCWN and serve as a member of the Finance Committee, Building Committee, Human Resources Committee, the Marketing Committee, and Nominations Committee.
I was also on the committee overseeing the Catch the Ace, Every Bowl Full fundraiser.

Why is being a Board Member with CCWN important to you? 
I truly believe that we should give back to our local community and to build bridges to self-sufficiency for all people of the community.

What positive impact do you believe CCWN has on our residents?
I believe that CCWN, through all of its programs, has evolved into a true leader in the community to meet and exceed the expectations of the clients, community supporters in our ever-changing community.

Is there something in particular that compelled you to seek involvement?
I was involved in the Loaf of Bread community dinners, and when it was disbanded I felt there was still a strong need. I wanted to be involved more in this community resource.

What contribution do you hope to make as a Board member?
I believe that the Board needs to be a good mix of skills and walks of life. I see my skills in being a good listener to all opinions, and gathering information that will help us make informed decisions that meet the needs of the community and form the Legacy of CCWN.

Stuart Reimer
Vice President

What has been and/or is your current involvement with CCWN’s Board of Directors?
I am currently the Vice President of CCWN. Over the past year I have served on the Building Committee, Human Resources Committee, Brand Protection Committee as well as the Marketing Committee. Throughout the year I provide logistics support to CCWN’s Bottle Recycling Program.

Why is being a Board Member with CCWN important to you? 
It is important to me that this vital part of the fabric of our community is guided and governed by and an engaged board of directors, who ensure the stability of the agency and the programs it delivers.

What positive impact do you believe CCWN has on our residents?
I believe the positive impact is two-fold. One, our programs and services are there for our residents when they need them. Two, for our residents who don’t need help, CCWN is a secure and trusted place to contribute their time and talent.

Is there something in particular that compelled you to seek involvement?
I believe the positive impact is two-fold. One, our programs and services are there for our residents when they need them. Two, for our residents who don’t need help, CCWN is a secure and trusted place to contribute their time and talent.

What contribution do you hope to make as a Board member?
As a local small business owner, employer and life-long resident of the town, I hope to use my personal and professional resources to support CCWN’s board agenda, as well as the staff and programs they administer.

Elizabeth Klassen
Past President

What has been and/or is your current involvement with CCWN’s Board of Directors?
I am the Past President of CCWN, and have been actively involved in the Building and Nominations Committees.  I have also acted as Chair of the Human Resources Committee, Marketing Committee, and Brand Protection Committee. Being actively involved and providing strong leadership are important to me as a director with CCWN. I love being part of a team that provides support and guidance to our community members at their most vulnerable moments.

Why is being a Board Member with CCWN important to you?
Living in the Niagara Region all of my life and the Town of Lincoln for the last 29 years has brought to my attention the needs in our community. I feel like being a part of a community also translates to giving back to our community by becoming involved with incredible organizations like CCWN.  It was an easy decision to join this amazing team and work together to support our community.

What positive impact do you believe CCWN has on our residents?
Not only does CCWN provide supports to the community but they rally the community together to care for one another.  In providing supports, CCWN also assists people to progress to self-sufficiency providing a sense of achievement and dignity for our clients that other organizations do not provide.

Is there something in particular that compelled you to seek involvement?
When first introduced to CCWN, I saw that they were an exceptional organization that is a cornerstone to the community.   Having been a director and volunteering with CCWN I have been an active part of the exceptional work that I saw.  What I didn’t realize looking from the outside in, was how significant and diverse the impact that CCWN had on our community. Experiencing involvement with CCWN has confirmed my choice to join as President and have a positive impact on our community.

What contribution do you hope to make as a Board member?
As a member of the Board, I hope to contribute to the legacy that CCWN represents in our community.  With over 50 years of providing to the community, I want to assist in reaching our community through the supports that are needed.  I feel that my time serving on the Board of CCWN will translate to a positive impact on our community equivalent to the many blessings I have experienced living in this incredible community. 

Would you like to include something about yourself – unique to you?
Being a Commercial Digital Photographer has given me the opportunity to travel to many locations and the chance to see the prevalent needs in these communities.    Each time I return to the Town of Lincoln confirms the fact that we live in an incredible community that is willing to give generously of themselves and their resources.  I feel very blessed to be a part of such an active community that assists others in their time of need.

Jean Brohman
Treasurer

What has been and/or is your current involvement with CCWN’s Board of Directors?
I have been on the Board since November 2021. I have sat both on the Finance and Marketing Committee, as well as the recent Catch the Ace Lincoln committee.

Why is being a Board Member with CCWN important to you? 
Being a Board Member is important to me because I have always tried to be active in my community.  Whether it was my children sports or schools, or team in my workplace, I have always felt the responsibility to contribute.

What positive impact do you believe CCWN has on our residents?
Providing the range of services that CCWN does within our somewhat ‘rural ‘communities is important to those with limited access to transportation, something many of us take for granted.  The span of support beyond the food bank offered to residents is amazing (i.e. housing and dental assistance, Back to School and Jumpstart support, to name a few).

Is there something in particular that compelled you to seek involvement?
Having participating in volunteer days at local food banks and community support facilities, I am reminded how much need there is within our community. I am inspired by those who dedicate themselves to improve and sustain the welfare of others. 

What contribution do you hope to make as a Board member?
Although I am a professional accountant, I look forward to rolling up my sleeves and contributing in any way I can.

Leigh Anne Siebert
Secretary

What is your current involvement with CCWN and/or CCWN’s Board of Directors?
I have known about CCWN over the years and recently participated in the Food Drive.  I joined the Board of Directors last year, and sat on the Human Resources Committee and was actively involved in Lincoln’s Catch the Ace fundraiser.

Why is being a Board Member with CCWN important to you? 
I grew up in Beamsville and I feel it is good to be able to give back to the community where you grew up.

What positive impact do you believe CCWN has on our residents?
It lets residents have a more fulfilled life, a place that they feel they belong and can go to trusted organization when in need.

Is there something in particular that compelled you to seek involvement?
I was encouraged to consider a leadership role with CCWN by a friend and it’s a good time in my life to consider this type of community involvement.

What contribution do you hope to make as a Board member?
I hope that I'm able to contribute in anyway possible, new perspectives, new ideas.  I will probably learn just as much as I hope to provide.

David Boychuck
Director

What has been and/or is your current involvement with CCWN’s Board of Directors?
I am a newly accepted Board Member.

Why is being a Board Member with CCWN important to you? 
Being relatively new to retirement, I would like to use my time helping others in my community. If I can help and give back by supporting the CCWN Board of Directors and their missions and goals, it would give me personal fulfilment.

What positive impact do you believe CCWN has on our residents?
Helping our local residents when they need it most and being an integral part of the community for support and a part of an organization that they can trust.

Is there something in particular that compelled you to seek involvement?
Today’s overall climate of change with economy and issues we face that were not as near us years ago.

What contribution do you hope to make as a Board member?
Being in the restaurant industry my entire career, I feel with my mix of knowledge in all fields from inventory to human resources, from food safety to customer care. I can hopefully bring support to my new board. In all the years of work, I always kept my compassion for everyone that I worked for.

Paul Litschko
Director

What is your current involvement with CCWN and/or CCWN’s Board of Directors?
I have been a Board Member for one year and have assisted in many projects.
 
Why is being a Board Member with CCWN important to you? 
The Board is important to help make critical decisions about the future of continuing to help the people in need.

What positive impact do you believe CCWN has on our residents?
The positive impact is to show that we are a community, and we help each other. CCWN assists people in need and gives them a place to go and be heard.

Is there something in particular that compelled you to seek involvement?
I believe that it is very important to give back to the community and be more involved in the community.  

What contribution do you hope to make as a Board member?
As a Board member I want to ensure that we are focused on helping the community and making good decisions ensuring that the focus stays on those in need now and in the future.

JD Pachereva
Director

What is your current involvement with CCWN’s Board of Directors?
I have always volunteered with and advocated for the work of CCWN. I am going into my sixth year on the Board. I am very proud to have served as Secretary for the Board, and on the Brand Protection, Finance and Marketing Committees. Also, Chaired the Building Committee, as we undertook a long overdue and very much needed renovation project. This improved accessibility for clients, volunteers, residents and staff. As a Councillor with the Town of Lincoln, I also liaise between CCWN and the Town on certain matters and have done so for the better part of the last decade and half. Recently, the Housing and Homelessness Task Force has evolved to the Town of Lincoln’s Housing Select Committee, and have continued serving on this Committee.   

Why is being a Board Member with CCWN important to you?
I care about Lincoln and am a passionate advocate for our residents. But this is more than just making sure people are happy, what this means to me is that I want to ensure that our citizens realize that CCWN is so much more than a food bank.  Especially now more than ever we have a moral obligation to help those less fortunate and to help effectively address the issues of poverty and economic insecurity. Finding a cause that is greater than one’s self, and in some ways larger than just one community, or one region is what the CCWN at its core stands for.

What positive impact do you believe CCWN has on our residents?
As CCWN is in my community, I have been actively involved in public awareness events, fundraisers, and supported the mission of this vital organization for many years. Residents of Lincoln have come to us for help when they are facing some of the most difficult circumstances of their lives. It has been a privilege to witness the shift in them. To see them with hope, a new outlook and optimism after contacting us or being in to seek help. This is life changing for many individuals and families.

Is there something that compelled you to seek involvement?
Over the years, in addition to my personal and direct involvement with CCWN, I have attended Town meetings where the Executive Director made presentations regarding their programs and services. These updates alerted me to the continuous growth and diversification that was occurring in the best interest of our community. I wanted to be a part of this.  Through my parents and our family business we were always huge supporters of GBF, now I feel it is my obligation to contribute to my community.

What contribution do you hope to make as a Board member?
My priorities are to strengthen our community and encourage its vibrancy for years to come. I will collaborate to leverage resources, knowledge, contacts, and synergistic relationships to improve the lives of our clients.

Would you like to include something about yourself – unique to you?
I have been fortunate to be married to Melanie and we are parents to two children, Alec and Blair. I have been a Lincoln resident my whole life, a proud graduate of BDSS; I am Chair of the Grants and Stewardship Committee for Wise Guys Charity and my family has roots in the local grocery industry.
I am an outspoken advocate for my community, and for those issues that impact it, popular or not. I believe we have an obligation to do what we can to assist all those who require a helping hand, a hand up and a shoulder at times. I live by the adage that “to whom much is given, much is expected”. I am truly humbled to be working with the team at CCWN.

Phil Rose
Director

What is your current involvement with CCWN’s Board of Directors?
I have prior Board involvement and have been continuing my support through volunteering.

Why is being a Board Member with CCWN important to you? 
It's important to me because of the importance of the organization itself, and the value it provides to the communities it serves. I have also enjoyed meeting many people through this work that I would not perhaps have had the opportunity to meet.

What positive impact do you believe CCWN has on our residents?
CCWN's positive impacts include helping vulnerable residents negotiate difficult times and especially the enhanced difficulties presented at present. They also include allowing residents a responsible outlet through which to express their charitable impulses, and the knowledge that such an agency exists to help their neighbours in need.

Is there something in particular that compelled you to seek involvement?
Having an outlet through which to express my own charitable impulse, and working together with a like minded group of people.

What contribution do you hope to make as a Board member?
I hope to play a role in the continuing stewardship of the organization and its mission.

Ken Taylor
Director

What has been and/or is your current involvement with CCWN’s Board of Directors?
I am a recent resident of Lincoln having moved here in 2019. Since that time, I have participated in the fall annual food drives and for the past year or so I do weekly pick ups at local businesses who donate to CCWN.

Why is being a Board Member with CCWN important to you? 
CCWN is an engaged non profit organization that serves many in the community. I have spent my working life resolving housing issues for many underprivileged in our society. Being on the Board of CCWN is a logical extension of a long personal focus on the needy in this country.

What positive impact do you believe CCWN has on our residents?
CCWN is a source of a positive “can do” attitude that I think underpins the organization and residents get energy from CCWN events. Hats off to the Management and staff of CCWN for creating such a responsive and impactful presence in Lincoln for those that use their services.

Is there something in particular that compelled you to seek involvement?
Its singular purpose was the pull for me to CCWN. Many non-profit groups have multiple goals and objectives in assisting and supporting people and projects in our community. Sometimes this multiple approach leads to confusion and splits within groups and underperformance of objectives. There is no doubt what the goal is of CCWN, and all staff and Board are pulling in the same direction realizing significant positive energy in the community. CCWN has impressive, committed staff and it will be a pleasure to work as a Board member in support of their day to day work.

What contribution do you hope to make as a Board member?
I have worked in communities across Canada in helping house people in need.  I hope to offer insights into how CCWN might consider making inroads into underserved clients, within available resources.